NFL Draft Re-Grade: Washington Commanders Flop on Emmanuel Forbes Pick?

The Washington Commanders received low marks for their first-round selection of cornerback Emmanuel Forbes in Bleacher Report's midseason grades.

Washington Commanders first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes is coming off one of the most impactful performances of his rookie campaign, collecting three tackles and a pair of pass breakups in a 20-17 win over the New England Patriots.

But Forbes' showing wasn't enough to save his grade at the season's halfway point, with Bleacher Report giving the Commanders a D+ for their selection of the 22-year-old corner.

"Forbes was the 2023 class' most instinctive secondary defender (14 INTs in three years), but the first two months of the season weren't kind to the Mississippi State product," Bleacher Report writes. "He was benched after allowing 401 yards as the primary cover man through five weeks."

Forbes played only 10 total defensive snaps in Weeks 6-8 before seeing 48 such snaps against New England.

For the season, Forbes has amassed 23 tackles, seven pass deflections, two tackles for loss and one interception in eight games, drawing two starts.

After being selected No. 16 overall, Forbes joined the Commanders with lofty expectations. He's endured trials and tribulations - but it hasn't been all his fault.

"While his lack of success can be blamed on individual performance, an increased rate of man coverage with zero safety help placed Forbes in an inopportune position," Bleacher Report writes. "A primary Cover 3 corner in college, he'll play with more confidence in zone coverage with help over the top, which will allow him to showcase his first-round talent.

"Consistency on the outside is warranted."

Washington Commanders cornerback Emmanuel Forbes has flashed in his rookie season / © Brent Skeen, USA TODAY

Level of play aside, a key reason for Bleacher Report's low grade of Forbes stems from his status as the draft's second highest drafted corner, coming behind only Seattle Seahawks star Devon Witherspoon, who was taken No. 5 overall.

The Commanders took Forbes over fellow corner Christian Gonzalez, who went the next pick to the New England Patriots and proceeded to win NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month in September before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury.

Both of these factors contributed to the D+.

"Considering the success from corners Devon Witherspoon and the player that heard his name called right after Forbes on draft night (Gonzalez), his play has to ratchet up multiple levels for his grade to improve," Bleacher Report concludes.

With more performances like the one in Foxboro, Forbes is on his way to accomplishing exactly that - and he'll look to continue doing so this Sunday, when the Commanders hit the road to take on the Seattle Seahawks.

Kickoff inside Lumen Field is set for 4:25 p.m. EST.